100 yen 1953

Common. The secondary market eBay data shows these notes regularly selling in the $1–$12 range depending on condition, with UNC examples historically achieving $6–$40 in catalog valuations but frequently appearing at auction. The 1953 100 yen is a standard regular issue from a large print run with no special rarity factors, scarcity, or collector premiums.

Issued in 1953 by the Bank of Japan during the early post-war reconstruction period, this note commemorates Itagaki Taisuke, a pivotal Meiji-era statesman and advocate for democratic reforms. The prominent depiction of the Diet building on the reverse reflects Japan's restored parliamentary democracy following the American occupation, symbolizing the nation's commitment to constitutional governance and democratic institutions during this transformative era.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Itagaki Taisuke, a bearded statesman shown in profile facing left, positioned within an ornate circular frame on the right side of the note. His depiction in Western formal dress reflects the Meiji modernization period he championed. The reverse showcases the Diet building (Japanese Parliament) in Tokyo, rendered as a classical architectural structure with multiple columns, a prominent domed tower, and landscape elements. Both sides feature intricate ornamental borders with floral and scrollwork patterns characteristic of early postwar Japanese banknote design. A red circular seal stamp appears on both sides for authentication.

Front: '日本銀行兑券' (Bank of Japan Note), '百円' (100 yen), '日本銀行兑' (Bank of Japan); Serial number: L2612297C. Back: 'NIPPON GINKO' (Bank of Japan in romanized form), '100 YEN' (denomination in English), Arabic numeral '100' in ornate cartouche.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) combined with letterpress printing, typical of Japanese banknote production from this era. The fine line work visible in the background patterns, portrait details, and architectural rendering, along with the crisp impression and deep color saturation, indicate traditional intaglio processing. The red seal stamp was applied separately using stamp techniques.

This example displays a single-letter serial number prefix ('L'), consistent with the catalog reference noting that 12 varieties of this issue exist, likely differentiated by various prefix letters. The specific serial number L2612297C identifies this as one of the L-prefix variants. No overprints, date variations, or signature differences are evident in this standard regular issue note.